This week marks Ask Your Pharmacist Week, which celebrates the vital role pharmacies play in our health system — and reminds us just how much we’d lose if we took them for granted.
Across Chard, Ilminster, South Petherton and the surrounding villages, local pharmacies are at the very heart of our communities. They’re where people go for trusted advice, urgent care, or simply a friendly chat when they’re feeling unwell. For many residents, especially those in rural areas, the pharmacy is the most accessible part of the NHS.
But behind the counter, things are getting tougher. A House of Commons Library report recently revealed that the number of community pharmacies in England has fallen to its lowest level in almost a decade. More than 200 pharmacies closed in just six months last year, and funding for the sector has dropped by roughly 25% in real terms since 2015. That’s a huge hit to services that already run on tight budgets.
Pharmacists tell me they’re working flat out to fill the gaps left by an overstretched NHS. The Pharmacy First scheme has been a positive step, allowing people to get treatment for common conditions like sore throats, ear infections or urinary tract infections without needing to see a GP. Many local pharmacies are also now offering blood pressure checks, contraception services and support for people living with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s and depression.
It’s clear that pharmacists are playing a much bigger role than ever before — but they can’t keep doing more with less. These are highly qualified professionals who train for five years before they can even register, supported by skilled teams who handle prescriptions, spot early signs of illness and keep people safe every single day.
In small towns like ours, where getting a GP appointment can already take time, losing a pharmacy would be devastating. That’s why the Liberal Democrats are calling for proper long-term funding for community pharmacies, fair pay for staff, and better integration between pharmacies, GPs and local NHS services. Investing in pharmacies is one of the best ways to cut waiting times and make healthcare more accessible, particularly in rural areas like South Somerset.
So, this Ask Your Pharmacist Week, I want to thank every pharmacy team in Chard, Ilminster and across my constituency for your professionalism, kindness and dedication. You’re a lifeline for so many — and it’s time the Government recognised your true value.
If you need advice or treatment for a minor illness, don’t wait for an appointment — Ask your pharmacist.
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